Champions series in Minneapolis

[TCTEN]

My wife and I just got back from the Champions series matches at Target Center tonight. 1st match was Courier/Chang won by Michael, followed by Agassi/Martin won by Todd. Martin then defeated Chang in the finals during which he pulled out an old wooden racquet for the last couple of points much to the delight of the crowd. Johnny Mac was originally scheduled to play but due to a hamstring strain Martin was his last minute replacement and sure enough he was the best player on the court tonight. These guys still hit the ball pretty good but it was weird to see Chang not get to several drop shots that he would have easily tracked down 15 years ago, oh well I guess 40 yr old legs don't have quite the pep that 25 yr old legs do.
We also attended a meet and greet for USTA members with Courier before the matches who seems to be a very gracious guy. I wish him luck as Davis Cup captain but I certainly don't envy him that position.
We had a good time and it brought back memories of the '92 Davis cup tie vs Sweden that we attended at the same venue. Hope they come back next year.

 

[joe sch]

My wife and I just got back from the Champions series matches at Target Center tonight. 1st match was Courier/Chang won by Michael, followed by Agassi/Martin won by Todd. Martin then defeated Chang in the finals during which he pulled out an old wooden racquet for the last couple of points much to the delight of the crowd. Johnny Mac was originally scheduled to play but due to a hamstring strain Martin was his last minute replacement and sure enough he was the best player on the court tonight. These guys still hit the ball pretty good but it was weird to see Chang not get to several drop shots that he would have easily tracked down 15 years ago, oh well I guess 40 yr old legs don't have quite the pep that 25 yr old legs do.
We also attended a meet and greet for USTA members with Courier before the matches who seems to be a very gracious guy. I wish him luck as Davis Cup captain but I certainly don't envy him that position.
We had a good time and it brought back memories of the '92 Davis cup tie vs Sweden that we attended at the same venue. Hope they come back next year.

Thanks for this report.
Its nice to hear that these great American champions are providing more tennis entertainment. I think it was soo cool that Todd broke out the wood as an early celebration to his victory and championship. I can only hope that this is a sign of events to come, ie some more woody tennis. I have always wanted to do the same near the end of a winning match, pull out a wood or classic graphite racket and finish off the job. Nice play Todd !

 

[Yourtenniscoach]

I was there also... what a great night of tennis! I was hoping to see Agassi / Courier face off in a final but Martin & Chang put on a great show!